UC SysDef vs. Crimson Fleet: Which Faction Reigns Supreme in Starfield?
The central question for many players navigating the vast expanse of Starfield is a moral and strategic one: Is it better to side with the UC SysDef or the Crimson Fleet? The short answer, leaning heavily towards a pragmatic perspective, is that siding with the Crimson Fleet often offers a more rewarding gameplay experience, despite the morally gray area it places you in. While the UC (United Colonies) SysDef presents itself as the righteous option, the Crimson Fleet’s unique benefits and less stringent moral constraints tend to be more appealing to players looking to maximize their opportunities within the game. Let’s explore why.
The Allure of the Crimson Fleet: More Than Just Piracy
The Key: A Pirate Paradise
The primary advantage of aligning with the Crimson Fleet is gaining access to The Key, their sprawling space station base located in the Kryx system. This hub is far more than just a location; it’s a reliable sanctuary for selling contraband, offering high prices without the fear of scans or legal repercussions. This alone makes the Crimson Fleet a very tempting option for those embracing the more lucrative aspects of Starfield’s gameplay.
Superior Vendor Access
Crimson Fleet vendors on The Key offer more trading opportunities than those associated with the UC. If you are focused on trading and accumulating wealth (even if some of that wealth is ill-gotten), The Key’s vendors make the pirate life remarkably beneficial. The ability to freely sell stolen goods makes exploration more rewarding and less restrictive, especially if you acquire a lot of contraband during your adventures.
A “Smart” Choice, Not Just a “Bad” Choice
While the UC might be perceived as the “good” choice, the Crimson Fleet often represents the “smart” choice for players seeking the best in-game benefits. The narrative is designed to make siding with the pirates an attractive and logical path, even if it means abandoning some moral qualms.
Unique Rewards and the Crimson Fleet Epilogue
Ultimately, both the UC SysDef and Crimson Fleet questlines offer the same monetary reward upon completion. However, the Crimson Fleet questline boasts a better unique reward. Additionally, choosing the Fleet alters the epilogue of the game, leading to a more dynamic conclusion. This, coupled with the easier access to resources and vendors, makes them the more attractive option for the majority of players.
The UC SysDef Path: Duty and a Free House
A Sense of Justice
Choosing the UC SysDef storyline offers players a chance to maintain a more morally upright character. For those role-playing a heroic figure, helping to bring down the Crimson Fleet offers a sense of satisfaction.
The Free House
One tangible benefit of aligning with the UC is receiving a free house. While this is a nice perk, the lack of customization options pales in comparison to the flexible Outpost system the game offers. Most players looking for a truly personal and useful base will find the UC house lacking.
A Less Lucrative Route
While respectable, the UC path can feel less lucrative than the Crimson Fleet, mainly due to the restrictions on selling contraband and less beneficial vendor access. This can make the progression somewhat slower and less rewarding for players who seek to maximize their income.
Navigating the Faction Choices: The Best of Both Worlds
Infiltrating the Crimson Fleet
The game’s design allows players to initially join the Crimson Fleet as a double agent for UC SysDef. This approach lets you experience the Crimson Fleet’s narrative without fully committing to their side. You’ll gain access to The Key and its benefits while maintaining some distance from their more morally questionable activities.
The Choice of Loyalty
Ultimately, the game presents you with the choice to remain loyal to the Crimson Fleet, betraying your UC handlers. This is where you fully embrace the pirate life and unlock the faction’s exclusive rewards and ending.
No Impact on Other Factions
Interestingly, joining the UC or the Crimson Fleet has limited impact on your relationships with other major factions within the game. This encourages players to explore all available content without fear of locking themselves out of significant gameplay. You can join every major faction within minutes of each other, allowing for diverse gameplay experiences.
The Bottom Line: Pragmatism Over Morality
While the UC represents law and order, the Crimson Fleet offers freedom and profit. If you’re seeking to optimize your Starfield experience with better vendor access, higher contraband selling prices, and more unique rewards, aligning with the Crimson Fleet is generally more advantageous. The moral implications can be set aside in favor of experiencing the game’s most lucrative path, without significantly restricting any of your access to other features. The ability to join all factions also makes the need to limit oneself for narrative reasons less impactful than one might assume.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can I join the Crimson Fleet and UC SysDef at the same time?
Yes, you can join both the Crimson Fleet and UC SysDef. The storyline encourages you to begin as a double agent, allowing you to experience both sides before making a final choice.
2. What are the benefits of joining the Crimson Fleet?
The primary benefits include access to The Key, a reliable place to sell contraband at high prices, better vendor access for trading, and a unique quest reward.
3. What are the benefits of joining UC SysDef?
The main benefit is the sense of satisfaction in bringing criminals to justice. You also receive a free house, although it is not customizable.
4. Does joining the Crimson Fleet affect my relationship with other factions?
No, joining the Crimson Fleet doesn’t significantly impact your relationships with other major factions, allowing you to experience all content.
5. Can I betray the Crimson Fleet after joining them as a UC spy?
Yes, you can choose to remain loyal to the Crimson Fleet, betraying your UC SysDef handlers, or vice versa. This will lock you into a storyline ending.
6. What is the best ship associated with the Crimson Fleet?
The Crimson Wight and its upgraded versions (II or III) are the best ships offered by the Crimson Fleet, found at The Key. However, the Narwhal is considered by many to be the single best ship in the game.
7. Can I join the Crimson Fleet without being a spy?
Yes, while initially you are approached to join as a spy, you can refuse that role and join as a normal captain. This will change some of the dialogue and story elements.
8. Does my choice affect the game’s ending?
Yes, your final choice between the Crimson Fleet and UC SysDef directly impacts the game’s epilogue.
9. When is the best time to join the Crimson Fleet?
It’s best to join the Crimson Fleet after you’ve had a chance to take down some of their ships. Once you are considered a friendly, they won’t attack on sight. Also, consider holding off until you are ready to commit to that faction.
10. Does Andreja like the Crimson Fleet?
Andreja doesn’t inherently dislike the Crimson Fleet, but she might object to some of your actions as a pirate.
11. What is the primary purpose of The Key?
The Key is the Crimson Fleet’s base and a primary location for selling contraband without being scanned and taking advantage of their vendors.
12. Can I steal Crimson Fleet ships?
Yes, you can board and steal Crimson Fleet ships during combat.
13. Should I betray Delgado?
Betraying Delgado will add an element of intrigue, but may not have significant impacts on the overall story. You will receive more rewards for being loyal.
14. What are the best ships to buy in Starfield?
The Narwhal is often considered the best, followed by the Starborn Guardian. Several others, including some from the Crimson Fleet, are considered very good. The Razorleaf is a good early option.
15. What should I do with Crimson Fleet ships?
You can board and steal them or purchase them if you want to be friendly with the fleet. They are generally good for smuggling and combat.